The 2014 edition of the PSSC marks the 30th anniversary of the conference. In keeping with a tradition of stimulating discussion on topical issues, the theme of this conference will be “Canada and the Arctic: Challenges and Opportunities”. The conference will consist of five panels spread over three days, with each panel dedicated to analyzing a distinct aspect of the Arctic and Canada’s involvement in the region. Each panel will be composed of several speakers. The format will be interactive and discussion-based. Experts from Canada and around the world have been invited to present their research and ideas.

The PSSC is organized, designed and run by graduate and senior undergraduate students from the Department of Political Studies at the University of Manitoba. Held annually since 1985, the PSSC has earned a stellar reputation among the academic community, government officials, and students across Canada, the United States and Europe. The students are all volunteers. They are responsible for picking the theme of the conference, deciding on and arranging for speakers to come to the University of Manitoba, raising all of the funds for the conference, publicizing the event, organizing speaker accommodation and meals, reserving a suitable venue, ensuring audio-visual resources are in place, moderating the panels and arranging for all of the wrap up. The public and important stake holders are invited to attend and engage in the debate. This year’s PSSC co-chairs are Ms. Alison Kimlinger (MA candidate) and Mr. Elikem Tsamenyi (MA candidate) and Mr. Richard Farthing-Nichol (undergraduate candidate). Drs. Andrea Charron and James Fergusson are the faculty volunteers.

Canada and the Arctic: Challenges and Opportunities
January 29-31, 2014
The Great Hall, University College, University of Manitoba

Please Click here for PDF version of Agenda and click here for information about speakers)

10:00 Panel Two - Science and the Climate
Moderator: Dr. Brent Else, Centre for Earth Observation and Science, University of Manitoba
Ms. Emily Choy, Fresh Water Institute, University of Manitoba
Dr. C.J. Mundy, Centre for Earth Observation and Science, University of Manitoba
Dr. Gary Stern, Centre for Earth Observation and Science, University of Manitoba
Dr. Gordon Giesbrecht, Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management, University of Manitoba

11:30 Lunch

1:00 Panel Three – Resources and Economic Development

Moderator: Dr. Adolf Ng, Asper School of Business, University of Manitoba
Michele Taylor, Director General of the Prairie and Northern Region, Transport Canada
Mr. Ross Coen, Department of History, University of Washington
Dr. Jackie Dawson, Department of Geography, University of Ottawa
Rebecca Pikor, Geological Sciences, University of Manitoba

2:30 Coffee

2:45 Panel Four – Northern Governance

Moderator: Dr. Andrea Charron, Center for Defence and Security Studies, University of Manitoba
Mr. Hjálmar Waag Hannesson, Iceland’s Consular General to Winnipeg
Mr. Jose-Antonio Torres-Lacasa, Delegation of the European Union to Canada
Dr. Peter Kulchyski, Department of Native Studies, University of Manitoba
Dr. John English, Trinity College, University of Toronto

Moderator: Dr. Jeffery Taylor, Dean of Arts, University of Manitoba
Dr. Whitney Lackenbauer, Department of History, University of Waterloo
Dr. Suzanne Lalonde, Faculty of Law, University of Montreal
Dr. Andrea Charron, Center for Defence and Security Studies, University of Manitoba